Paul Goldenberg

E. Paul Goldenberg brings an exceptionally strong background in K–12 mathematics, extensive knowledge of the cognitive bases of mathematics learning, and over 40 years of experience in curriculum development at both elementary and secondary levels, teaching, research, and professional development. He has taught from Grade 2 through high school mathematics and computer science, as well as graduate school mathematics and psychology for education. He brings particular knowledge and expertise to curriculum development, which is his major focus at EDC. Recent primary authorships include two books: Making Sense of Algebra: Developing Students’ Mathematical Habits of Mindcoauthored with June Mark, Jane Kang, Mary Fries, Cindy Carter, and Tracy Cordner (2015, Heinemann), and Developing Essential Understanding of Geometry and Measurement for PreK–Grade2, coauthored with Douglas Clements (2014, NCTM).

Goldenberg has served as Principal Investigator (PI) on a wide range of projects that foster a love of and enthusiasm for mathematics in learners from early childhood through adulthood. He, Al Cuoco, and June Mark have championed the use of mathematical habits of mind—now aggregated within the Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Practice—as organizers of curriculum since their initial paper written in the early 1990s. One such curriculum is Transition to Algebra, the product of a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded R&D project that he co-leads with Mark. Transition to Algebra, a full year algebra curriculum originally designed to support at risk students and their teachers, is now used equally to support and accelerate students in middle school. Goldenberg is also Co–PI for Implementing the Mathematical Practice Standards, a project focused on professional development for teachers, and iPuzzle, a technology project that has developed apps (SolveMe Puzzles) based on puzzles used in Transition to Algebra. He is also PI, along with June and Al, of BJC4NYC—an NSF Math and Science Partnership (MSP) in which EDC is collaborating with UC Berkeley and the New York City Department of Education to broaden participation in computer science in the NYC public high schools.

Earlier at EDC, Goldenberg developed a K–5 comprehensive mathematics curriculum—now published as Think Math!—which supports teachers' professional development while they teach by building their interest in and curiosity about mathematics. This work was inspired by the classic Math Workshop curriculum, which, back in 1964, intertwined skill-building calculations with big ideas and deep understanding in a way that fully reflects today’s Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Practice, specifically standards 7 and 8. Though published before Common Core, Think Math drew its principles from the same sources that led to much of the Common Core, and in particular, the Practice standards.

Goldenberg received a BA in Psychology from Brandeis University and an EdM in Elementary Education and a PhD in Curriculum and Supervision from Harvard University.